Innocent Smoothies

Hello, hello!

I have all manner of treats lined up for you today, including; an example of crafty innovation, and some exciting news! I might even chuck in a tutorial! Hold on to your hats and keep arms, legs and knitting needles inside the vehicle at all times.

I wanted to start by sharing something quite nifty that happened a little while ago. I am unsure people are aware of this company over seas but in our green and pleasant land there is a smoothie and all round healthy juice people called Innocent. They are famous for silly and amusing packaging as well as delicious and healthy drinks. I sound like an advert and there is a reason for this! Other than occasionally enjoying a bottle of their strawberry and banana I never gave them much thought. Until, they established the charity fundraiser The Big Knit . Their aim was to get as many knitters as possible to knit tiny hats, that would then go on top of the smoothie bottles all in aid of Age UK. I took part and have unfortunately lost the pictures of my bee and flower themed hats, but check out the link and there are some great pictures of other participators hats. The nifty thing was not only that they would do something like this -giving to charity and encouraging to get active with charity, by promoting fun projects and skills - but they also sent me this:

Isn't that sweet? It certainly made my day.

The Big Knit takes place every winter (but there is no reason you cant start early) and I encourage you all to take part. It takes no time at all and even the most basic of knitters can do it. Closer to the time I will put up a tutorial for the little hats.

Stitches for ripple blanket

How goes it crafters?!

I feel like I'm bombarding you with posts today because I've been away for so long. Lets call it the postathon, so get stretching, grab your crochet hooks, on your mark, get set.... stitch!

I realised that some of you may be unsure about the double crochet stitches used in the last pattern so I thought I should whip out a tutorial :)

Firstly, yarn over the hook,

Insert hook into the next stitch and yarn over again,

Pull through so there are three loops on the hook,

Yarn over

and pull through the first two stitches on the hook,

Repeat and pull through the last two stitches on the hook.

Tadaaaaaaa! you have just made a double crochet.












Now, to make the three dc's st, repeat the above process twice, each time in the same stitch. It will look like a little fan.

Next, on to the dc 3tog.

Work up till the point you need to make this stitch, then yarn over and insert the hook into the next stitch.

Yarn over and pull a loop through.

Then, instead of finishing this stitch as you normally would, insert the hook into the next stitch and pull through again, you will now have three loops on the hook.














Do this once more so you end with four loops on the hook.


Yarn over

 pull through the first three loops.

You'll now be left with two,












 yarn over and pull through the last stitches to complete the dc 3tog.

And your done!  It will look like the little fan of the last stitch in reverse.













So, I hope that was helpful! While these stitches are vital for the ripple blanket, they are used frequently in other pattern so a very useful thing to know :) I did all of this while eating a peanut butter and jam sponge cake sandwich, which I made yesterday. I feel that I should post the recipe in the spirit of postathon! look out for it Jellies.

Happy stitching.

Crochet ripple blanket.

Goood morning Jelly Beans,

I have as promised a new tutorial for you, for a crochet ripple effect blanket. Im giving you the baic instruction for this stitch becasue it can really be applied to anything, cusion, scarf, jumper. Whatever you want rippled! I have done a few experiments with this pattern before, using different wool and alternate row stitches.  However, I am currently home in London and I only have the pictures for the original on my phone. When I get back to Kent I will update this post :)

So on to the pattern! This is what my finished blanket looked like. 

Chain 63 for a four pointed, fairly narrow blanket. Its a good width to start with :) 

*1 dc in the first 6 sts. 

Dc 3tog 

1dc in the next 6 sts

3 dcs in next st*

Rep till the end. Chain 1 and turn. 

Repeat this, changing the colours as and when you like. In even or uneven stripes, this pattern is very versatile.

Enjoy gang!! 

News

Why hello hello Jelly Beans!

I am so sorry I've been away for so long! I have been wearing my fingering in to numbs from typing and revising but I have been given a much needed break and so I am returning to the blogging world!

I hope you have all been well and busy crafting.

This is just a quick message to say that I am back and to let you know what fun stuff you have to look forward to:

Soon I'll be putting up a tutorial for a crotched ripple blanket,
A doll tutorial
and a catch up with Lollo bear :)

Also I have some news! I will be entering into the world of commission crafting, specifically knitting and crochet but to be perfectly honest I'll be up for making anything as I love all kinds of craft! So, if anybody out there would like something made for them or knows anybody that would please send me a message :) I am raring to go and very excited. Prices will be discussed individually but I will tell you know that my prices are very fair and low, and you will have a say on every aspect of the garment or project as well as updates on the progress.  I really hope to hear from you.

Here is a list of things I would be happy to whip up for you lovely lot:
knitted or crochet hats
scarf's
socks
mug cosys
bags
shall's and ponchos (with hoods and without)
blankets
cushions
door stops
I would also love to take orders for custom dollies, I'll be posting pictures of those I have already made.
However, if you have a particular pattern that you would like me to make of course I will work from those also, for example jumpers, cardigans, ect...  
I will take orders for yarn types or colours, if it is something very specific feel free to send it too me. I have a marvellous shop near me that does all kinds of yarn though so I should be able to find whatever you are looking for.

I would also love to hear from any one out there who reads my blog, commission or not. Maybe some feedback on what you would like to see or just a crafty chit chat would be lovely!

Well, I'm off to work on my next tutorial so see you soon gang!

Just checking in

Why hello Jellybeans

Can you believe it, I've been neglecting you all for over a month! Shame on me. I can however blame my absence partly on a sprained wrist and looming deadlines, not much crafting for me. So, I'm just taking the time out from a 5000 word - yes you heard me right! - essay to say hello and let you know I am still a live and kicking.

Update:

I have recently got back into sewing in a big away after watching The Great British Sewing Bee on BBC 2. My stitching was a little rusty at first but I have some lovely patterns lined up. Lollo bear is coming along, albeit slowly. I have completed two crotched rick rack blankets, pictures and tutorials will be posted soon. Annnd I have made another whale! I could not help myself, it was a mothers day present.

Now I am projected less and my hands feel lazy. But with my deadlines in two weeks they'll just have to get used to typing.

Valentines day hearts

Happy Valentines day!

Since its the day of luuurve I thought I'd put up a simple pattern that I worked out especially for you beautiful lot, because I love ya ;)

So this is for a simple crochet heart, there are lots of lovely lacey patterns out there, and I'll probably want to revisit them at some date but this is done in rows of single crochet because it can be a wooly Valentines day card :)

Row 1: chain two, sl st in first chain, turn
2: 3 s in st from previous row, turn
3: 2 in first s, 1 in the next s, 2 in the last s
continue making 2 st in the first and last of the row until you have 11 st, it will take another 3 rows.

7-9 straight st, no increases.
10: (Gets a little tricky now) st 5, turn
11: st tog, st 1, turn
12: st tog, bind off.

then joint your wool to the the other end of the row and repeat the last 3 steps :)

This was my first attempt, it looked a little bit blocky so I tried again.

But I really liked the results the second time! Although I still think it needs a little bit of perfecting. 

I hope you all have a lovely day!

Tat-ta

What will today bring?

Good Morrow Jellybeans

You find me, on this dreary afternoon about to clean somebody elses vomit off the floor...if thats not love what is?!

Anyhoo, Im sick of hexagons for now. Im actually a little bit sick of wool in general,  which is dreadful really considering this is a blog dedicated to knitting and the like.

So today Im going to talk at you rather than too you - because I have a feeling your going to be bored out of your collective minds - about books! My other passion.

The project I am under going at the moment, for uni of course, is an 8000 word creative study on how authors engage their readers. And I just have to tell you about one of my favourite writers B.S Johnson, who wrote the book in a box. Only the first and last chapter are in place,  the rest you must navigate through yourself, you the reader are in the driving seat and I think that is just wonderful. Its also heartbreakingly beautiful and called The Unfortunates.

Also, if your like me, a little bit afriad to walk naked, bar a staff and a pointy hat into the world of fantasy but is mesmerized at a distance (preferably behind a big rock) then I have just the book. Its called the Dictionary of the Khazar. I wont even shame it with my explination, please just have a look.

Oh all right then, in keeping with this blogs theme I do have a little bit of advice for you. You can start sentances with and and but. Take it from someone who paid nine grand to learn that.

Bye bye munchkins x

Updates

Morning... Or should I say afternoon! Where has the time gone?

Im just going to give you a quick update on how the Lollo Bear is coming along.

I went against my original colour order, so the bear began her life being unpicked! I don't know whether that is a bad omen or not... hmm. Anyway, the new scheme is mint green middle, dusty pink petals, mint green boarder and all held together with cream. I think she's going to love quite dashing.

So what do you think? Im still really excited about this pattern. I cant wait to sew the body together!

Also, just to let you know with Valentines day around the corner, I'll be going all soppy and posting some love themed tutorials and patterns, to give to your Valentine, or just to keep for yourself (if like me your other half never remembers).

xxx

sharing fun stuffs

Hey Jellybeans

Since going back to uni I havent had much time to create tutorials, but in the few spare moments I have Ive been researching and doing some mini projects to keep us all amused. So while I'm sitting here covered in hair dye, with 30 minutes to kill I thought we should have a bit of a catch up. So pop the kettle on, mines milk not sugar  ;)

After surfing Pinterest for a while (Emma Jenkins, look me up) I came across this lovely little fella.

How cute is he?! As soon as I saw him I was determined to make my own. Here's my version, I've named him Wally. 

as you can see I did not make a mouth for mine and I replaced the soft knot eyes for buttons. I think the origional looked great but I just fancied making it my own. Of course if you wanted to make your own Migi or Wally for a young child please do not use hard or easily removable eyes (such as buttons or beads) as they are a chocking hazard. This pattern is really fun and easy and great for anyone who is a beginner to amigurumi, as it basically one piece.

How clear are those pictures by the way? As well as updating to Insagram, I have finally got a new phone! The camera is brill, and I think I've worked out how to use it properly haha.

After making Wally the Whale the crochet bug has firmly taken root. So, I'll now be undertaking the slightly ambitious Lollo Bear. If you have not seen this bear follow this link to the creatures blog. 

http://heidibearscreative.blogspot.co.uk/2011/09/lollo-african-flower-bear-pattern-is.html

The creatures blog also has some really nice and interesting tips for crocheting in general, I'd definitely advise you check it out if your interested. 

Isn't it beautiful? This is the first pattern I have ever brought, as there are lots of lovely free ones out there, but I would say this pattern is definitely worth buying. The detail she includes she so helpful and succinct, it has really been a pleasure reading it. I'm very excited about this project, as I predict it will take me a while but making the individual hexagons will be something I can do when I get a spare moment, so I think a good project for when you want beautiful results but have not got much time.

This is my first patch. Although Im not sure if i should invert the the interior colours... what do you guys think? If you have an opinion I would be appreciate a comment or a message to let me know what you think. 

Last but not least I'm going to chuck in a shameless plug! If any of you out there are interested in gorgeous handmade jewelry, have a gander at  Owens Beadery . This is the Etsy page of a friend of mine, who hand crafts beaded jewelry at very reasonable prices! 

I mean, how lovely are those little trees?? She also has lovely necklaces and bracelets, and some nice Valentines day bits for anyone out there who has not found a present yet ;)

Hairs done now! 

Not bad right? So, with that I am off to finish the projects I have promised and try and get some uni work done! (I think I have my priories in the right order? hehe) 

Bye, bye Jellybeans, happy crafting! xxx

Evening Jellybeans.

After spending most of my evening feeling unwell and trying to concentrate on uni work I decided I would make myself feel a little bit better by doing some blogging. And better I am! After finding out that my views have gone up from 18 to 23!! Not a big achievement to some but I am chuffed. Regardless of whether you are 23 different people or just one big fan, this post is dedicated to you!

Anyhoo, this post marks the beginning of glove palooza! Where I am the cold does not seem to be going anywhere, so to keep warm you can stay inside and make gloves :D

First we'll start with a nice and easy knitted wrist warmer, perfect for beginner knitters. I knocked these up in a about a day, so a fun and easy way to spend a few free hours.

This is what you'll need. Yarn, thickness and colour of your choice, I'm using a soft lavender acrylic, easy to wash and durable which is great for gloves. I got this yarn for a present last Christmas, and I couldn't think of a project for it, so I'm really excited to be able to use it because its such a nice colour and really soft!  Anyways! (Don't get me started on wools and yarns). You'll need a pair of needles, I suggest using larger ones, I'm using 4 1/2 mm, because they give the gloves a chunky look, which I really like. You will also need something to stitch the work together and weave in the loose ends, I like to use a crochet hook, but you can also using a darning needle if you find that simpler. Oh and a diddy pair of scissors. Ok, lets rock and roll!

Cast on 34 sts 

Row 1: k 4, p 2 all the way to the end.

Row two: p 4, k 2 to end. 

Continue in this fashion until the work reaches the desired length. This envolves a lot of stopping and holding it against your hand. But the actual knitting part of it is pretty much as simple as that! 

This is what it will look like once it is at the length you want. The pattern creates a rib like paneled effect. Weave in all of the lose ends. 

Turn the work the wrong way, (it actually looks pretty nice on this side too!) fold it in half and position your hand on it, then along the edge mark with pins where your thumb is

Like so. 

Then, either crochet or darn the edges together either side of your thumb markers. Turn it inside out once again so its the right way. 

This is what it should look like.

And this is what it looks like on. Cute right? 

So cute in fact that I could not resist embellishing them a little bit. 

I originally planned to make just one of these for the purpose of demonstration, but I have fallen in love a little so the next one is on the needles as we speak. 

 I hope you found this helpful, my beautiful 23! The next glove post will be the next step up from these simple wrist warmers, so stay tuned. 

So I'll start with an announcement; guess who's started using Instagram! Probably not as exciting as you had expected haha. And I know, I know, I am a wee bit behind the times. I did not like the idea of people I did not know  looking at my pictures, but the filters and quality are perfect for this here blog so I thought, why not give it a go? Plus people have posted some really beautiful images on there.

So from now on the images on here will look a little different, hopefully for the better!

Anyway, on to this weeks project. Grab your crochet hooks and yarn because its snood time!

A little bit of background first. Like me, my mum loves all things vintage, particularly the 20's to 40's, so from Art Deco glam to making fab dresses out of old curtains. So I wanted  to make her another snood  (rather she brought the wool home one afternoon and said 'Emmyyy, pleeeease' *insert puppy dog eyes*, how could I say no?). The snood was a staple look for this era. Actually it dates back all the way to medieval period and has been used practically as well as fashionably ever since. Because by snood, I'm basically talking about a hairnet (not the never ending scarfs, though they are also lovely). But through time they became so much more than just a way to keep your hair up, as you can see from the images below.


These designs and one I had made for her previously (which I unfortunately don't have any pictures of), that I attached a tailored bow and glass beads too, are a bit loud. So this time round I wanted to make her something a bit plainer and everyday.

 I used a fine black cotton and a small hook, size 3. And worked a mesh style pattern.

As I had previously mentioned, this is not my first time making a snood, however I could not quite remember the pattern I used first time around or the website I found it on. After a quick web search I found it on this blog peacewing.wordpress.com. However during my search I stumbled across this blog annabooshouse.blogspot.co.uk, which unfortunately did not have the pattern but did have lots of really great crochet tutorials and I urge any one interested in crochet to have a look. I have made a few dolls similar to that on the page so I was draw to its cuteness immediately!

my lovely mum modeling :)

Anyway, this is what the finished piece will look like. Sorry for the giant hair pins! We couldn't find any others. What is great about this pattern is that is it so simple, you an add and change as you go along. I certainly made changes the second time I made this snood. Also, because it is so simple it can be done in a variety of different colours and types of yarn. I'm toying with the idea of using a fine mohair... You can also add lots of little adornments to jazz it up a bit, like bows, beads and sequins. Have a play around :)

Snood and mum on their first outing.